Field Trip: Nano Brew Cleveland - Cleveland, OH

Some of you may have heard the term "nanobrew" or "nanobrewery" before. Nanobrewery is a term used to describe a very small brewing production, usually only a couple of barrels, with very limited distribution. It's one step smaller than microbrewery and can be an inviting option for craft brew hounds. Smaller production means smaller overhead, and it gives brewers a chance to try out funky new creations with limited risk. Cleveland happens to have one right on W. 25th Street - Nano Brew Cleveland. We saw this on our way to West Side Market and I vowed to check out it. Here we are!

Nano Brew Cleveland is a pub / restaurant situated on a corner lot. In addition to serving local and distribution beers, they have a 1-barrel brewhouse with four beers currently on rotation. Brewing capacity is measured in barrels, with one barrel equaling about 31 gallons. In terms of production, one barrel is not a lot. To give you an idea, Great Lakes Brewery located just a few blocks from Nano Brew Cleveland has a 100,000 barrel capacity. Sam Adams has passed the 6 million barrel capacity. So Nano Brew Cleveland truly is a nanobrewery - it doesn't get much smaller in terms of production!

I was pleased by the clean and modern look of the place. It has wide open bar area, with both tables, hightops, and ample bar space. Exposed brick is always a nice look. Beyond the tables you see below, there's a set of double doors that lead out into a gigantic, multi-level outdoor seating area.

Here's the tap list. The draft list is pretty extensive, featuring a lot of local stuff, including Platform Brewing Co. (more on that later) and some offerings from Market Garden Brewery, only a block or so away (and home to the tasty "Wallace Tavern" wee heavy.) 

Since it was 95 degrees, and we were sitting out in the beer garden, I wanted something light and refreshing. To start, I ordered Nano's "Wild & Windy", a 5.7% ABV saison. 

Interestingly, this beer is heavier than expected. It's got a medium body, with lots of Belgian spices and yeasty flavors tossed in. Reminds me a lot of Chimay in the floral / yeasty sense. Pretty solid!

I also tried a sample of their "The Gustavo", a black IPA clocking in a 7.2% ABV:

This one was a bit tough for me. It was tasty, but very hoppy and strong. Most black IPAs I have had are a bit more mellow, so this was definitely an interesting take on the style.

If you're ever in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, give this place a try! It's got a very casual vibe, friendly staff, and tons of seating options. We sat out back in the multi-level garden deck (which has another bar out back) and it was a lot of fun.